The Funders Network

TFN believes that collaboration and connections are where real change takes root. When funders decide to act, lead and advance an agenda together, entire regions and policies can be transformed.

For the past two decades, The Funders Network — formerly known as the Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities — has helped our members advance shared learning, develop best practices, create policy agendas, support policy reforms and improve outcomes in communities across the U.S. and Canada — addressing issues of deep relevance to people and place.

How do we effectively steward our natural resources? How do we grapple with climate change and the impact it will have on future generations – especially those vulnerable communities that are disproportionately affected? How do we create inclusive economies that allow communities to not just survive – but truly prosper and thrive? And how do we confront and challenge unjust systems and policies that result in deeply damaging social, economic and racial divides?

We recognize these are the defining problems of our era, and recognize that this work has taken on increased urgency in challenging times. We also recognize the unique potential of leaders in philanthropy to leverage the collective resources and energy of the sector to address these issues effectively and equitably.

TFN’s mission is to leverage philanthropy’s unique potential to help create communities and regions that are sustainable,
prosperous, healthy and just for all people. TFN is committed to helping funders understand and address racism, economic
inequality, and the imbalance of power — while engendering community-driven solutions and amplifying the expertise and
experiences of those communities who are least heard.  (To learn more about TFN’s foundational and cross-cutting commitment to racial equity, as well as resources for funders, visit our Putting Equity First page.)

Our vision TFN’s vision is to create generations of courageous philanthropic leaders who are engaged, emboldened and equipped to bring
about a just society. This includes increasing representation of people of color in philanthropic leadership positions.

We aspire to serve as a leading resource for thinking and action that is interdisciplinary, innovative and transformative, and which recognizes that racial equity is both a process to guide us and an aspirational outcome.

Our strategies include:

• Coordinating funder education and information sharing
• Providing opportunities for funders to deepen professional relationships, hone their leadership skills and expand their impact as grantmakers
• Helping align agendas, efforts and interests, as well as facilitating strategic initiatives and collaborations to advance progress towards desired outcomes
• Cultivating emerging funder interest and new opportunities for funder engagement

Building Equity. Igniting Action.
TFN’s Strategic & Racial Equity Frameworks

TFN’s programmatic portfolio weaves together elements that link TFN’s role as a connector, convener and leader in the sector while prioritizing member relationships and embracing racial equity as a core tenet.

In 2020, TFN completed a strategic planning process that centered racial equity as both cross-cutting and foundational.  TFN’s Strategic & Racial Equity Frameworks shares key strategies, our racial equity framework and action plan, and program priorities.

Download a copy here.

TFN brings together funders and partners from diverse backgrounds and wide-ranging expertise, and provides a wide range of opportunities to share knowledge and deepen engagement across the sector. Take a moment and explore our programs, partnerships and initiatives.

Financial Information

TFN is a tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. View our most recent financial statemens and IRS filings below.

How Can I Participate?

TFN working groups and initiatives are open to participation from TFN members and non-members alike. We welcome participation from grantmaking organizations, philanthropy serving organizations, local governments, and infrastructure groups that support funders. If you would like to subscribe to TFN emails to receive newsletters and other resources, click on the button below to select your preferences.

Please note that participation in the PLACES Fellowship & Alum Network and Philanthropic Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Partnership (PPREP) is limited to cohort members and alums. Previous participants will continue to receive messages from these programs. To change your subscription, please contact Director, Data and Information Technologies Allison Jai O’Dell.

To learn more about how your organization can become a TFN member, please visit our member services resource page here.